


PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



THIRD TRIENNIAL CONVENTION 



OF THE 



WEST NEWTON 



STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, 



July 26, 1848. 



I. JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 
II. SALUTATORY ADDRESS, BY MISS E. N. LINCOLN. 
III. ADDRESS BY REY. R. C. WATERSTON. 



BOSTON : 
LEONARD C. BOWLES 

1848. 



PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



THIRD TRIENNIAL CONVENTION 



OF THE 



WEST NEWTON 



STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, 



July 26, 1848. 



I. JOURNAL OF THE CONTENTION. 
II. SALUTATORY ADDRESS, BY MISS E. N. LINCOLN. 
III. ADDRESS BY REV. R. C. WATERSTON. 



BOSTON: 
LEONARD C. BOWLES. 

1848. 



* 



V 



*V 



8t rKANSFER. 

JUL 7 >910 



Printed by J. B. Chisholm, 
5 Water Street. 



JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 



West Newton, July 26th, 1848. 

At 9 o'clock the members of the Convention assembled in Normal 
Hall, when the exercises of the morning commenced with a song of 
welcome, by the members of the School, Mr. Lowell Mason presiding 
at the piano. At its conclusion all joined in singing the following 

SONG. 

Tune — " Auld Lang Syne." 

We come ! a joyous sister band ! 

A happy family ! 
From every quarter of our Land, 

To share a Jubilee ! 

From " teaching young ideas to shoot," 

In many a village school ; 
From mysteries of " power " and " root," 

And " mathematic " rule ; 

Forsaking "Blackboard," "Bell," and " Book," 

And peradventure " Rod," 
We come on these " old paths" to look, 

Our feet " lang syne" have trod. 

Three years have sped, since last we met, — 

Three long, eventful years ; — 
And with them borne their 'customed weight, — 

Alternate smiles and tears. 



4 JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 

Three years have brought us many a heart, 

Imbued with love and truth. 
In the great work to bear a part, 

Of educating youth. 

Time, too, has vacant places made 

In this our little band : — 
Some of our loveliest, low are laid, 

By the Death-angel's hand ! 

Let not the solemn warning fall 

Unheeded on our ears ; 
Let us obey the earnest call 

To labor 'midst our tears : — 

Labor for God and man, while day 

Gives strength to heart and hand : 
So shall death's night but prove the way 

To the blest spirit land. 

h. s. T. 

Prayer was then offered by Rev. Dr. Ripley, of West Newton Theologi- 
cal Seminary. This was followed by a " Salutation" from the Prin- 
cipal, Mr. Peirce. 

Sarah A. Clark, a member of the school, now stepped forward, and 
presented a beautiful silver vase filled with flowers, in the following 
words : 

Mr. Peirce: — The present members of the Normal School would of- 
fer you, in behalf of yourself and lady, this vase. We do not offer it 
for its beauty or value ; but simply because we love you, and wish to 
express our love to you. Take it, then, as a memorial of our deep and 
abiding sympathy ; — as a testimonial of our gratitude for your unceas- 
ing efforts to benefit us. And, above all, take it as a pledge that we 
will endeavor to profit by your instructions, that when you shall appear 
at the great Gathering of souls, your crown may be wreathed with Nor- 
mal blossoms, bright and pure as those now before you." 

Mr. Peirce rose to receive it, and replied: — " I accept the valued 
gift, my dear pupils, with deep-felt gratitude and pleasure. My heart 
is too full now to utter more. You who know me will understand my 
feelings, even though I take it, and say no more." 

The following Hymn was then sung : 

Tune — "Granville." 

Father ! at Thy throne we offer 
This, our weak, imperfect lay ; 



JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 

Grant a blessing for the future 
Which hath dawned on us to-day. 

Seekers after Truth and Duty, 

We would know and do Thy will ; 

To each base and earth-born passion 

Speak Thy mandate : — " Peace ! be still !" 

Make us CmusT-like, pure and holy ; 

Fit us for our mission high ; 
Than we Tht little ones offend 

Better 't were that we should die. 

When Thy tender lambs surround us, 

Humbly asking to be fed, 
Let us now prepare to give them, 

Not a stone, but living bread. 

From all sin and folly free us ; 

Let Thy strength pervade each heart ; 
Watch, and keep, and guard, and guide us ; 

Teach us all a Teacher's part. 

So may we Thy Law fulfilling, 

All Thy perfect Law of Love, 
Called to leave this sphere of duty, 

Find a nobler one above ! s. p. 



Electa N. Lincoln rose and delivered from the desk, in an easy and 
graceful style, a "Welcoming Address." 

At its conclusion the following Hymn was sung : 

Now to Heav'n our prayer ascending, — 

God speed the right ! 
In a noble cause contending, — 

God speed the right ! 
Be our zeal in Heaven recorded, 
With success on earth rewarded : 

God speed the right ! 

At 10 o'clock an Address was delivered by Rev. Robert C. Water- 
ston. After this, the visitors and invited guests withdrew until the ap- 
pointed hour, 1 o'clock, P. M., for assembling in the Town Hall. 

1* 



6 JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 

A private meeting of the members of the Convention was held. 
Electa N. Lincoln was chosen Chairman ; — Sara H. Page, Secretary. 

It was moved by Elizabeth Austin, and seconded by Sarah Watson, 
that Mr. Waterston's Address and Miss Lincoln's Address be published 
in a pamphlet form, together with the Proceedings of the Convention. 

Misses Sarah Watson, Maria M. Mosely, and Sara H. Page, were 
appointed a committee to carry the above vote into effect. 

Voted, That another Convention be held in this place three years 
from the present time. 

The following preamble and resolutions were then offered and ac- 
cepted : 

" Believing as we do that Normal Schools are highly beneficial to the 
cause of Education, and that the principles enforced upon the members 
of these institutions are sound and true, we, the members of the West 
Newton State Normal School, past and present, do resolve, 

1st. That we will openly and fearlessly espouse their cause, endea- 
voring by word and deed to inspire all persons with that confidence in 
their measures which we ourselves possess. 

2ndly. Resolved, that it shall be our constant aim to develope in 
our lives as teachers, and as members of a social community, the prin- 
ciples here instilled. Regarding those intrusted to our care as immor- 
tal beings, for the right unfolding of whose natures we are greatly res- 
ponsible to our fellows and to God, we will strive according to our best 
knowledge and ability to train them physically, intellectually, and mor- 
ally, as children of God should be trained ; — teaching them first of all 
love to the Father, as shown in trustful obedience to his laws ; and se- 
condly, love to each other,- as shown in the discountenancing and break- 
ing down of all artificial barriers between man and man, and in acts of 
kindness towards all members of the human race. 

3dly. Resolved, that we will receive with humility, the admonition 
silently given us by our Heavenly Father, in the removal of many of 
our members to another Sphere ; — a dispensation which calls us to 
greater vigilance in the fulfilling of our duties while our day lasts. 

4thly. Resolved, and that the decease of our late friend and teacher, 
Caroline Tilden, is an event for which we will not uselessly sorrow, 
knowing that " while dead she yet speaketh ;" — but, thankful for her 
bright example, we will endeavor to follow it so far as she followed 
the Great Teacher ; striving to walk humbly, fearlessly, truthfully be- 
fore God and our fellow-beings." 

At 1 o'clock the members of the Convention left Normal Hall, and 
walked in procession to the Town Hall. This, like Normal Hall, was 



JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 7 

beautifully trimmed with evergreen, and oak- wreaths, and hung round 
with appropriate mottoes. Here the company partook of a choice Col- 
lation, and after spending an hour in social intercourse, the exercises of 
the afternoon were introduced with the following 

SONG. 

" Old Granite Sute." Adapted. 

We have come from nooks and corners, 
We have come from nooks and corners, 
We have come from nooks and corners, 

Of the "Old Bay State!" 
We are all a band of Sisters, 
We are all a band of Sisters, 
We are all a band of Sisters, 

And we hold each other dear. 

With hard and patient labor, 
With hard and patient labor, 
With hard and patient labor, 

We are striving to improve ; 
And we've kind friends and patrons, 
And we 've kind friends and patrons, 
And we 've kind friends and patrons, 

Though our enemies reprove. 

We are all true-hearted Normals, 
We are all true-hearted Normals, 
We are all true-hearted Normals, 

Of the " State Normal School." 
Oh ! we love this Institution, 
We '11 uphold its Constitution, 
Oh ! we love this Institution, 

And its merits we '11 extol. , 

Now, while the air is ringing 
With our joyful, happy singing, 
We will turn with grateful feeling, 

To the Leaders of our band : 
We look upon the features 
Of our own dear, week-day preachers, 
And a blessing for the Teachers 

Bursts forth from every heart. 

Now, three cheers altogether ; 
We '11 not forget them ever, 
True hearts time cannot sever, 

Of this dear happy School : 



O JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 

While hearts and hands are joined thus, 
We '11 swell our gladsome chorus, 
Till the arch of heaven o'er us, 

Shall return the loud hurrah : 
Hurrah ! Hurrah ! Hurrah ! s. p. 

The Convention then listened to Addresses on different topics con- 
nected with Education, from the following gentlemen : Rev. Samuel H. 
Winkley of Boston, Rev. Mr. Heywood of Kentucky, Rev. Mr.Waterston 
of Boston, Rev. Mr. Allen of New Hampshire, Rev. Mr. Muzzey of 
Cambridgeport, Professor Crosby of Dartmouth College, W. B. 
Fowle of Boston, and Rev. Mr. Robinson of Medfield. 

Selections from the " Experiment" were read, from which we quote 
the following 

STATISTICS. 

This school was opened at Lexington, July 3d, 1839, with the ex- 
amination of three pupils by the Principal, in the presence of Jared 
Sparks, LL. D., Hon. Robert Rantoul, visiting committee, Hon. Ho- 
race Mann, Secretary of the Board, and a few others. These three 
were all that presented themselves for admission on the day appointed 
for the opening of the school. At the close of the first term, the school 
numbered 12 pupils. At the commencement of the second term, Gov. 
Everett delivered an address on Education to the school, and to a nu- 
merous audience in the church at Lexington. A considerable accession 
to the numbers of the school was made during the second term. The 
school continued at Lexington five years, — three years from its open- 
ing under its present Principal, Mr. Peirce, and two under the Rev. S. J. 
May. After that period, it was removed to this place and again came 
under the charge of its first teacher. The Normal Building, formerly 
used for a private academy, was purchased by a friend of the School, 
(Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr., the present Mayor of Boston,) and de- 
voted to its present use. Since the opening of the school, 482 pupils 
have been admitted. From unforeseen causes, a considerable number 
have been obliged to leave before completing a full year ; and many have 
staid longer than the required time. Since the commencement of the 
school, 23 have died, 52 have been married. About 300 are teaching 
at the present time. The largest class that ever entered the school num- 
bered 40, and the greatest number of pupils ever in the school at one 
time, was 84. During the present term, 68 have been connected with 
the school. The demand for teachers from this institution has been 
much greater this summer than at any previous time ; — greater, by far, 
than the limited number of graduates could supply. 



JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 



This demand gives good evidence that they have generally taught 
with success, and encourages the hope of a more extended sphere of 
usefulness for our State Normal Schools. 

A Hymn was then sung ; 

Tune — " Ward." 

Prayer shall be uttered, ere we part; 
Its fervent breath, from every heart, 
Will strengthen Friendship's gentle power, 
And hallow this, — the closing hour. 

O God ! how often vain, are we ; 
Whose strength should be humility ! 
Can'st Thou, who knowest all, forgive ? 
And aid us truthfully to live ? 

We've knelt in thought at earthly shrine, 
And deemed our idols half divine! 
Yet, sure as twilight's melting ray, 
Our cherished dreams would fade away. 

We 're grateful, that the spirit may 
An altar find, where no decay 
Can ever come. It is the throne 
Of Love, Truth, Purity, alone ! 

How grand a task, these themes to teach ! 
O ! for an eloquence, to reach 
The minds that we would guard and guide, 
And keep with healthful food supplied ! 

Our parting offering we bring, — 
Perpetual gratitude we sing 
For him, our Normal Guide and Friend, 
Whose teachings onward, upward tend. 

M. E. W. 

Then all was closed by the well-known Parting Benediction from 
the Principal, 

Live to the Truth. 

The members of the Convention present during the day, numbered 
about two hundred. 

The company dispersed at 6 o'clock, P. M., well pleased with what 
they had seen and heard, and looking forward with joyful anticipations 



10 JOURNAL OF THE CONVENTION. 

to many returns of this happy Anniversary, which shall bring them 
again and again, 

" On these old paths to look, 

Their feet "lang syne" have trod." 

S. H. PAGE, Sec. 

P. S. In the evening, many of the pupils gathered at the house of 
the Principal, and spent an hour in pleasant conversation, indulging in 
Reminiscences of the Past. 



SALUTATORY ADDRESS 



BY MISS E. N. LINCOLN. 



It has been the custom since the first settlement of this our 
loved New England, for heads of families, at least once a year, 
to call home all the absent ones ; — to gather from far and 
near, from high way and by way, from hill and valley, from 
the busy scenes of life and from colonial homes, loving, trust- 
ing, and true hearts ; to assemble them once more around the 
festal board and the family altar, — to partake of the rich gifts 
of the season and to unite in thank-offerings for blessings re- 
ceived, and in prayers for a continuance of those blessings. 

Like the voice of some good old pilgrim patriarch, has the 
call this year gone forth from our revered, time-worn, and hon- 
ored Normal Father, to his scattered children, to leave their 
every day walks, and with joyful and thankful hearts once 
more to grasp his parental hand. That voice has been wafted 
onward, impelled by paternal love, till the distant hills of Berk- 
shire caught and reverberated it ; — the quick ears of Normals 
there heard it, and then responded by glistening eyes and 
glowing hearts, and now respond by the presence of happy fa- 
ces. Northward, eastward, and southward, have those accents 
passed, till our little streamlets all over the State have joined 
in a glad chorus and bubbled forth in childish glee to all her 
Normals, "come;" — while the broad Connecticut, the noble 
Merrimack, and quiet Charles, in more deep, but no less tender 



12 SALUTATORY ADDRESS. 

and persuasive tones, have repeated — "come." The ocean 
waves have sympathized with the general call, and " come " 
has glowed upon the sands of her shores, and echoed from her 
rocks, while to neighboring islands, even, has she borne the 
welcome word. 

But the boundaries of our State have not shut in the glad 
summons ; — to the pine forests, granite hills, and verdant 
mountains of the north, it has passed, while the Delaware, 
Susquehannah, and Ohio have reflected it. 

And you have answered the glad summons. Prom the lit- 
tle red school house on the hill, you have for a few days per- 
mitted flaxen-headed, sunny faced boys and girls to wander, 
that ye may become school-girls in imagination once more. 
You have locked the doors of the more commodious and smart 
looking school houses in the village, that ye may here unlock 
the fountains of love you have so long cherished in your hearts, 
and pour of their rich treasures upon your old, tried, and true 
friends. In village and in city, you have ceased your instruc- 
tions, that you may gather round the Experienced and the 
Tried, and drink in again from his presence and counsel, pa- 
tience, love, and faith, that shall lead you on to stronger ef- 
forts in future, to greater acts of self-devotion. 

There is hardly need, now and here, of our bidding you a 
formal welcome. There are moments when words are useless ; 
when heart speaks so plainly to heart that outward forms seem 
mockery. We have all looked forward to this day with joy- 
ful anticipations, we have come prepared to make the reality 
no less joyful. 

If from year to year, at our thanksgiving board, any loved 
face is missing, anxious looks are cast from one to another ; 
anxious, serious thoughts find utterance. Many who were 
wont to commune with us, are, to-day, from various causes, 
missing from our number. We had hoped here to greet the 
friend and teacher of many of you, the former Principal of this 
school, who is unavoidably absent. But we will be cheerful 
if, in this our day, the sun of his smiles gilds not the scene ; 
for we have realized how, like the mild moonlight influence, a 
remembrance of them has cheered many an otherwise dark 



SALUTATORY ADDRESS. 13 

hour. Many are on this day leading their lambs beside the 
still waters, deeming it inexpedient to remit their labors even 
for this season of joy. We will send them, as undoubtedly 
they send us, heartiest good wishes. Some have taken to 
themselves husbands, and therefore they cannot come. To 
those, I would say, let not again your family ties sunder you 
from us. Bring hither your near ones and your dear ones ; 
they are equally welcome with yourselves ; — our hearts, if not 
our halls, are large enough for our normal brothers as well as 
our normal sisters. But some are absent from other causes j — 
the angel of Death has not been idle. He has, since last we 
met, gathered from this flower-garden of souls and presented 
to its Lord, a rich bouquet. Many a lovely bud, which was 
expanding into beauty and grace, he has delicately plucked and 
placed where it can unfold its petals beneath the more genial 
light and heat of heaven. Sisters, could the veil which hides 
from us the spiritual world, be uplifted, could we penetrate 
into the brightness of the future, we should not mourn because 
loved ones are borne from us. And, sisters, by faith we can 
uplift that veil, we can penetrate the future ; — we can see that 
though removed from us, our friends are not removed from love, 
and joy, and peace ; but that love and joy and peace are infi- 
nitely multiplied unto them. And who knows that they are 
far removed ? Who knows but that the kingdom of God is 
very near to every one of us ? Because our eyes are covered 
by earth's dross, and we cannot see the spiritual glory, is it a 
reason that it is not here ? Because our ears are deadened, and 
we do not hear spiritual communings, is it a reason that there 
are not those communings around and above us ? Who knows 
but that our angel sisters in one bright band, are with us now, 
loving, rejoicing with us, praying for us ? Hark ! do you not 
almost hear their glad strains of joy ? Do you not feel the in- 
fluence of their spirit breathings ? By their prayers for you 
and their communings with you, shall you not be made strong- 
er and better ? One of that bright group was known to most 
of you ; — so known, so loved, so honored, that I cannot, and 
would not, if I could, forbear speaking particularly of her. 
Your hearts, if not your lips, have ere this uttered tremblingly 
2 



14 SALUTATORY ADDRESS. 

her name ; for it is there graven in enduring characters, if acts 
of love, of self-devotion, can ever leave lasting records. 

One of the happiest of our happy number, she moved among 
us at our last gathering, drinking largely and with avidity from 
whatever was offered to cheer the soul, to warm the heart. 
One could hardly realize, who saw her on that day, that she 
was even then selected for another sphere. But to those who 
knew her best, or to the attentive observer, the flush upon her 
cheek, and the bright scintillations of her eye, spoke too plain- 
ly of an activity of mind that was fast wearing out its frail 
tenement. She had already toiled too long, too actively ; but 
she kept on. Deeply interested in her calling, she labored to 
inspire others with like zeal. Unhesitatingly, knowing, feel- 
ing the destiny that awaited her, she allowed the cords that 
held her to life, one by one, to snap asunder, while with her 
remaining strength, by greater effort, her labors were none the 
less. Many a time have I known her to come to our common 
home, so exhausted that it was a weariness even to rest ; when 
the next day found her uncomplainingly, cheerfully pursuing 
her labors, against reasonings, against entreaties. 

Ye who have gathered the instruction that flowed from her 
lips, learn at what a rich cost it was given you ; prize it high- 
ly, and repay the boon by unremitting toil for others. Drink 
from her bright example, zeal for your high calling ; drink from 
it forgetfulness of self ; drink from it love for others ; drink hu- 
mility ; drink fearlessness in the cause of right ; drink faith in 
your fellow beings ; drink largely as she drank of faith in God, 
faith, strengthening faith, which alone can sustain you in your 
arduous calling. 

But I cannot speak longer to you of her. I have many other 
things to say to you ; suffice it, that while her strength lasted, 
she did what she could, and though she may not have regard- 
ed her physical nature enough, as the neglect arose from so high 
a motive, we can overlook, though we sorrow for it. When 
at last she sunk beneath her burden, while blessed with aright 
use of her reasoning faculties she bore all so meekly, so patient- 
ly, that a double lesson was given to all her friends. She calm- 
ly resigned earth and earth's treasures when what seemed to 



SALUTATORY ADDRESS. 



15 



her her brightest day, was dawning. For a few weeks before 
her death, her mind, like a tired bird, fluttered wildly against 
its prison bars, and though she died amid her rlutterings, her 
last words were, " He doeth all things well.-' She is now at 
rest ; — no, not at rest. 'Twas her body only that was worn, 
and the quiet ground of Scituate has afforded that a peaceful 
bed. A spirit like her's can never tire. Rapid must be her 
course in searching out and fulfilling God's will. She may be 
with us here to-day, in yon bright sun tomorrow. 

But we will no longer contemplate the dead ; the living 
claim our attention. We came here that our hearts might be 
made better by our greetings and communings, — that we 
might encourage each other, if so be that there are any falter- 
ing, desponding among us ; to admonish each other, if there 
are any here who need our admonition. It becomes us then 
to enquire of ourselves and of each other, what we have done 
in this our chosen calling. Have we been at all times, earnest, 
faithful, true ? Have we devoted ourselves to our work be- 
cause we wished to do good, or from other, and lower motives ? 
Has it been our aim to instil into the minds and hearts of the 
little ones committed to our care, principles that shall survive 
our connection with them ; that shall develope themselves in 
true Christian living ? Or have we been patching up the ex- 
terior of our pupils, making them showy nothings ; yea, worse 
than nothings, making their hearts receptacles of poison that 
shall one day be carried all over the system, festering, corrod- 
ing incurably ? Ask of yourselves these questions, and as is 
the answer, thank God that you have been enabled to do well, 
or pray for guidance to seek, and strength to keep the true 
way. Your zeal, your strength, your devotedness, are requir- 
ed for a triple reason, now. They are always required for 
your own sake, and for the sake of those with whom you are 
in immediate connection ; but now they are particularly need- 
ed for the sake of Normal ty. It may not be for me to tell you 
why. You are probably aware that of late much has been said 
by individuals against this Institution. Copious showers of dis- 
pleasure have cast their drops, laden with poison or frozen into 
hail, upon us, evidently to crush and destroy us. I will not 



16 SALUTATORY ADDRESS. 

question the motives that led those individuals to say such bit- 
ter things against us ; — it may be that their motives were good 
and pure ; for we read of at least one, who opposing truth and 
its advocates, thought, verily, that he was doing God service. 
But from whatever source they originated, whether from love 
of God or love of self; whether from a desire to establish truth, 
or to establish themselves at its expense, as their accusations 
were so wholly false, as their representations were so wofully 
distorted, it becomes you and me, and all of us ; to protest 
against them. 

Had accusations been cast only at you and me, as pupils and 
inexperienced teachers, there might have seemed in them some 
plausibility, for we all knoAv that youth has its indiscretions ; 
but when preferred against a Veteran of forty-one years service, 
who has spent the bright morning of life at the teacher's post, 
who has borne patiently the burden and the heat of noon, who 
now at eve has not withheld his hands, but intently labors 
while his sun slowly declines in the west, pausing not even to 
note its progress, or to contemplate his own labors, who has 
done all this, not to gain worldly title and honor, (for worldly 
titles and honor are not for the humble teacher,) but because by 
so doing, he could answer the great end of his being, and ben- 
efit his race, we at once see their fallacy, and our hearts in- 
dignantly repel them. I call upon you, then, as you value the 
cause of truth itself, and as you reverence its advocates, to re- 
sist the enemy by upright, holy living. Show by your future 
conduct as teachers, and as members of a social community, 
that your time spent here has been spent well. Show, by your 
self-sacrifice for others, that you have been exampled here by 
one who thought no earthly sacrifice too great for you. Show 
by your zeal for the advancement of God's reign, that your 
faith in Him, far from being uprooted, by your sojourn here, 
has been made deeper, stronger, more glowing. In one word, 
fearlessly take your stand on what you prayerfully consider 
right, and live down all opposition, — humbly, cheerfully, firm- 
ly. It can be done. It may not be in the days of our revered 
leader, it may not be in yours or mine, and many, very many, 
may yet die martyrs to its cause, but the day will dawn, the 



SALUTATORY ADDRESS. 17 

clear bright day, when Right will reign supremo. Truth will 
prevail ; for God is Truth ; and is not God almighty ? 

The time is coming, haste the day, 
The time is coming, smooth the way, 
When Prejudice shall he uptorn, 
When fettered Truth no more shall mourn, 
When Ignorance no more shall reign, 
And Innocence no more complain ; 
When honest Right shall be installed, 
No more by slaving chains enthralled. 
The time is corning, haste the day. 
The time is coming, smooth the way, 
Smooth the way. each son and daughter, 
Smooth the way, oh, never falter ; 
Smooth the way, though your own bones 
You dedicate as paving stones ; 
With all your powers work while ye may, 
With all your strength, oh haste the day. 



2* 



ADDRESS. 



BY REV. R. C. WATERSTON. 



The occasion which has brought us together is one of no 
common interest. We are surrounded by the friends of edu- 
cation. Many who have here assembled have studied at this 
institution, and are now practically engaged in the work of in- 
struction. You have come up, this day, from various parts 
of the Commonwealth, that you may strengthen the ties 
of sympathy, and look once again upon these pleasant scenes 
connected with past studies and friendships. Nay, higher 
motives even than friendship and sympathy have brought you 
together. You have desired to confer upon the responsibilities 
of your office, to quicken within your minds the love of im- 
provement ; that you may return to your duties with enlarged 
views and a renewed zeal. 

As you gather in friendly fraternity within these halls, the 
heavens bend over you with smiles, and the mild air, as it 
whispers through the branches that overshadow your familiar 
walks, offers a cordial greeting. There is one present, who 
perhaps more than all others, will enjoy this hour ; one, who 
while he has been your Instructor, has ever had your respect 
and love.* He will rejoice to see once more those who 

*Mr. Peirce was appointed by the Board of Education as Principal of the 
Normal School in 1839. The Report of the Board in 1843, states that 
"he has fulfilled his duties with honor to himself and usefulness to the commu- 
nity ; never, perhaps, have greater assiduity and fidelity distinguished and re- 
warded the labors of any instructor." This tribute is yet more true after five 
years' additional experience. 



20 mr. waterston's address. 

through former years have been his pupils, and who have gone 
forth from this Institution to watch over the youthful mind, 
and exert salutary and elevating influences through society. 

You have mat together as Teachers. What office can be 
more important than that which it is your privilege to hold ? 
You are called to give direction to thought ; to influence char- 
acter ; to take the young mind, while the dew of the morning is 
yet fresh upon it, and pour over it the sunlight which will ex- 
pand its affections and unfold its powers. You are to guide its 
observations, to enlighten its judgment, and thus to affect its 
welfare through life. And not only through this life, — but it 
may be that your influence will leave an impress, which, for 
evil or for good, shall endure through ages. What office, then, 
can be more sacred than yours ? It is connected in its results 
with all that is high and holy in thought and feeling. 

The Divine Being himself, is not only a Creator and Bene- 
factor, but, we say it with reference. He is an Educator, and 
in this is His chief glory. The power of creating worlds is not 
so desirable as that of developing mind ; of imparting wisdom 
and virtue to a spirit that is immortal. Before the mountains 
were brought forth, or ever the foundations of the earth were 
laid, the Almighty existed. He spake, and it was done ; He 
commanded, and it stood fast. But who does not feel that 
God's divinest attributes were not manifested in the creation of 
worlds, or systems of worlds, though they roll, circle beyond 
circle, to the utmost bounds of space ? Rather do we behold 
His true greatness in the purpose for which those worlds were 
formed. The material Universe was called into existence that 
it might become the abode of intelligent spirits, and that it 
might open to them a boundless sphere for instruction and 
prog. ess. 

Look around upon this marvellous creation ; what is it that 
makes us most powerfully realize the goodness of God ? The 
mountains whose summits are veiled in clouds ? Valleys cloth- 
ed in beauty and fertility ? The wide-spread ocean and the 
over-arching heaven ? Is it these ? . Or is it not rather the 
Mind which gazes upon them, and feels their influence, and 
is able to study their laws ? Stupendous as this outward uni- 



ADDRESS. 21 

verse is, it shrinks and dwindles when compared with the un- 
dying Spirit. That is an emanation from God. He has 
endowed it with faculties by which it may rise ever upward to 
the Infinite and Eternal. The Supreme Being not only created 
this spirit, but He educates it. By all His varied works He 
seeks to call forth and exercise its powers. Innumerable voices 
come to it. Innumerable influences are at its side. Society 
and Providence aid in its instruction. For its advantage, ' day 
unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth know- 
ledge.' The visible Creation is full of types and symbols sha- 
dowing forth the loveliness of Truth. 

" Sea, and hill, and wood, 
With all the numberless goings on of life " 

have each their separate lesson. There is not a star or stone 
which is not placed before us as a volume to be opened and read. 
Even the sterner aspects of Nature are intended for the deve- 
lopment of the soul. The sterility of the earth calls into ex- 
ercise skill and energy. We are made to wrestle with difficul- 
ties, that we may gain power by overcoming them. Thus 
God by numberless instrumentalities is constantly seeking to 
quicken and elevate the faculties of the mind. 

What is the history of Humanity but a continued Educa- 
tion ? The experiences of the Past become lessons for each 
succeeding generation. From barbarism and ignorance, man 
has proceeded to refinement and civilization. One stage of 
culture has gradually led to another, and however slow ad- 
vancement may have been, there has still been progress. Thus 
the Supreme Being, through nature and through providence, 
teaches not only the Individual but the Race. He is giving a 
course of instruction which runs through ages — embracing 
all people and all climes. 

In looking to Palestine we behold One, whose name is ex- 
alted above every name, who was sent by Infinite Love for the 
Guidance and Redemption of man. By the Lake of Gennesa- 
reth, as the light streamed over the mountains ; by the banks 
of the Jordan, as its placid waters mirrored the clouds thai 
floated over its bosom ; in Capernaum, and Nazareth, and Jeru- 



22 mr. waterston's address. 

salem Jesus stood forth as a Teacher sent from God. In the 
synagogue and upon the h ill-side, he Instructed the people. 
He revealed the laws of the spiritual universe, and imparted 
wisdom to man. Through all he said and did, he was the im- 
maculate Teacher of the world. 

Thus may we look up to the highest on earth and the high- 
est in heaven, as alike engaged in the great work of instruc- 
tion, and every true Teacher, in some limited degree, becomes 
a sharer in similar labors. According to their fidelity they are 
aiding in intellectual and spiritual progress. They help the 
young mind to interpret nature. They guide its thought, an- 
swer its questionings and direct its investigations. They act 
with God and His Providence to impart instruction and deve- 
lope mind. The Divine Being is constantly acting, not only 
through nature, but through human agencies — and those who 
are engaged in the work of Education are employed in duties 
around which Heaven throws its most sacred sanction. There 
is no power of intellect, there is no excellence of character 
which can be too great for such an office. Even Milton, when 
he laid aside the "Paradise Lost," and left the sublime mus- 
ings to which with daring imagination he had soared, that he 
might enter the school-room and become the Guardian of those 
who met him for instruction, did not there engage in a less 
lofty vocation. Yet we may rejoice that here is not only a 
labor for man, but a sphere in many respects peculiarly fitted 
for the genius of woman. By her quick sympathies and pure 
affection, she is especially qualified to take an active part in 
these duties. At a period when the names of Edgeworth and 
Hamilton, Barbauld and More, Sigourney and Sedgwick are 
familiar to all ; when the female mind has not only signalized 
itself in general literature, but, as in the case of Mrs. Somer- 
ville, has grappled triumphantly with the most difficult pro- 
blems in science ; in such a period none will deny that woman 
may have the ability to teach even in the highest branches of 
science and of thought. Not only in the republic of letters, 
but in works of practical benevolence, the character of woman 
has shone forth in our day with pre-eminent brightness. Where 
among Philanthropists can we find a name more justly honored 



MR. WATERSTON'S ADDRESS. 23 

than that of Elizabeth Fry ? And if we turn to our own coun- 
try we find one not less worthy of admiration,* who has vigor- 
ously pursued her work of mercy until the most distant por- 
tions of our land have been blest by her labors. Through her 
efforts commodious Asylums and Hospitals have been reared. 
She has given peace and comfort to the friendless ; and, by 
her instrumentality, the joy and light of the Gospel have been 
carried to the dreariest abodes of calamity and crime. 

Such instances show what may be accomplished by the tal- 
ent and energy of woman, and it is an inspiring thought that 
there are all around us kindred minds, diffusing pure thought 
and feeling, and preparing a coming generation for the active 
duties of life. Though their names should not become illus- 
trious in the annals of the world, their deeds will be honored 
by angels, and their quiet labors will add to human happiness 
and tend largely to promote the welfare of mankind. It is 
useless to speak of the superiority of one or the other sex. 
They each have their distinguishing characteristics, and were 
formed by the Creator not to be the rivals but the companions 
and helpmates of each other. There are however qualities 
which give to the mind of woman a natural affinity with what 
is beautiful and elevating. When rightly disciplined by the 
influences of Education and Christianity, she has a delicacy of 
feeling, a warmth of affection and a purity of sentiment, which 
peculiarly qualify her for the work of instruction. 

I rejoice, therefore, as I look around me here, to see so many 
who have entered upon this sphere of usefulness. Who have 
determined to devote their time and talent to this most high 
and honorable employment. I know not how it would have 
been possible for them to engage in any work which would 
have more largely affected the private and public interests of 
society, or have tended more truly to bless posterity. 

Were I asked what should fill with the greatest hope the 

* Miss D. L. Dix, at her own expense, unaided by any society or asso- 
ciation, has voluntarily visited nearly every State in the Union, personally 
investigating prisons and hospitals, presenting memorials to the various Legis. 
jatures, exposing abuses, suggesting improvements, and accomplishing in fact 
for this country, whit Howard accomplished for Europe. 



24 MR. waterston's address. 

heart of the Patriot and the Christian as he looked over the 
hills of New England, I would not point to the thronged fac- 
tory, or crowded warehouse, to the shipping that whitens our 
harbors, or the rail-roads that intersect our plains, but I would 
turn to the Schools, which are thickly scattered over the land, 
where the children of the whole people are gathered, to re- 
ceive the instruction which is calculated rightly to develope 
their powers and establish them in knowledge and virtue. 
These are the bulwarks of our safety. The surest pledges of 
our future welfare. Those who with right views instruct in 
these schools, may justly feel that they are engaged in duties 
which are among the noblest on earth, and they should be 
looked upon by others as the Benefactors of their race. 

Intending to enter upon such labors it was natural that you 
should feel a weight of responsibility and be anxious to make 
every possible preparation for your coming duties. You de- 
sired to be thoroughly qualified for every department of your 
work, to acquire ample knowledge and to understand the best 
methods by which information might be imparted to others. 
With this view you embraced the opportunities offered by this 
Institution. Here you have critically revised your former stu- 
dies ; examined anew each principle, and sifted every element 
of thought ; subjecting all your attainments to the most search- 
ing analysis. Thus have you become thoroughly qualified for 
your various duties. With such preparation and experience 
it would be presumptuous in me to offer many suggestions 
respecting the detail of your labors. Those who have entered 
upon their work with the right spirit, and who honor their vo- 
cation as it deserves to be honored, will find new light con- 
stantly breaking upon them, and though they may meet with 
occasional discouragements, they will never despair. 

Every Teacher should be possessed not only of various 
knowledge, but of an elevated character. There should be a 
sincere homage for truth, a love for what is spiritual. Then 
will the mind have within it the inspiration of goodness, and 
there will be around it a purifying and invigorating atmosphere. 
Good will be accomplished not only by the respect and love 
which such a character will gain, but by that indefinable spirit 



MR. WATERSTON's ADDRESS. 25 

which goes forth from an earnest and sincere mind like an 
electric power. 

The true idea of Education must embrace the various capa- 
cities which God has imparted. There are animal appetites, 
intellectual faculties, and moral and spiritual sentiments. That 
system of Education is sadly defective which does not aim 
at the harmonious development of the whole nature. There 
are conflicting tendencies. These are the elements out 
of which character is to be created. Each power has its 
purpose. The whole nature, physical, mental, and moral, is 
a complete system of checks and balances, intended to act upon 
and regulate each other. When the rational faculties and mo- 
ral sentiments are brought into right action, they become as a 
counterpoise and check upon the various propensities, and may 
thus control and guide them. One great work of Education is 
properly to develope the whole nature. The Teacher should, 
as far as possible, become acquainted with the distinctive char- 
acteristics of each child, for each child has peculiarities of its 
own, and may require some distinctive treatment. Who can 
question that the Creator has endowed every mind with such 
gifts, as shall, if properly developed^ be for good ? 

" As great Pythagoras of yore, 
Standing beside the Blacksmith's door, 
Hearing the hammers, as they smote 
The anvils with a different note, 
Stole, from the varying tones, that hung 
Vibrant on every iron tongue 
The secret of the sounding wire 
And formed the seven-chorded lyre." 

Thus may we by proper study, discover the secret harmony of 
the Soul, and so tune every power and sentiment and feeling, 
as to bring from each vibrating string, strains which shall echo 
the music of heaven. 

If I were asked what was the most desirable attainment on 
the part of a Teacher, I should say, to be able to awaken in the 
minds of others a love of knowledge — and a love of good- 
ness. 



26 MR. waterston's address. 

The Love of knowledge is something deeper than know- 
ledge itself. If a person has knowledge and no love for it, he 
will not appreciate its value or derive from it the pleasure which 
the right reception of it would impart. If a person has the 
love of knowledge he will value it for its own sake, and be rea- 
dy to overcome every obstacle which may lie between him and 
higher attainments. If God should hold Truth in one hand, 
and in the other the ever-active impulse to the pursuit of Truth, 
and should offer us our choice,* it would be wiser to choose the 
latter — for that becoming an internal principle would lead us 
ever, with inquiring and delighted minds, — onward and up- 
ward. It is this active impulse — this love — - which we should 
seek to awaken in the minds of the Young. There is a me- 
chanical reception of information which may make a good show 
for a time. There may be a facility of acquisition, which will 
be after all but an acquisition of words. It will glitter like 
frost-work and melt as soon. How many who give great pro- 
mise in their youth, never rise above mediocrity in after years. 
Why is this ? It is because the true spring has never been 
touched. They were borne onward for a time — but it was by 
an outward force, and when that was gone, they stood still. 
They had no real love for truth — ho aspirations for continued 
progress. There was no spontaneous feeling within panting 
to know more than had yet been acquired. Thus the moment 
that the outward pressure was removed, progress ceased, and 
so it will ever be unless the love of improvement is kindled 
within. It is pre-eminently desirable to breathe into the mind 
that quickening spirit which will impart energy and strength 
and lead it to put forth vigorously all its powers. It may be 
said that this cannot be done, and no doubt in some instances 
it will be found very difficult. However there is a wide con- 
trast in different methods of instruction. Some are good dis- 
ciplinarians. They drill well — and they force their pupils 
through a particular routine — but it is all task-work, like the 
pulling of a dead weight. There are others who awaken curi- 

* A thought somewhat similar to this may be found in the German of 
Lessing. 



MR. WATERSTON'S ADDRESS. 27 

osity and excite an inward interest. Mind comes in contact 
with mind, and an air of freshness and joy is thrown over all. 
What a different effect these two influences must produce ! 
Under the latter the mind itself puts forth its energies and ea- 
gerly seizes upon the objects presented ; makes them matters 
of thought and reflection. Wherever such a mind looks, it 
throws around it a light of its own. The world is filled with 
beauty, and the universe becomes like a treasure-house of 
knowledge opening to the inquiring spirit its unbounded wealth. 
The power of awakening such an interest is difficult, but it is 
possible. It may be awakened in different degrees, according 
to the native gifts of the mind — but it should always be the 
aim of the instructor to lead to this result. There is no attain- 
ment greater than to be able to warm and expand the faculties 
of others. To inspire them with vigor and lead them to an 
innate love of improvement. 

But it is not enough to impart a Love of Knowledge — we 
must impart also a Love of Goodness. Education without this 
will be of little service. Any amount of information would be 
inadequate to satisfy the mind, unless there were also Virtue. 
There are spiritual powers and affections which plead for deve- 
lopment. We should lead the mind to pant for an Infinite 
good ; to revere the laws of God ; to cherish an uncompromising 
love for the right ; to feel an instinctive homage for whatever is 
just, and pure, and true. We should enlighten the reason, and 
spiritualize the affections, and christianize the conscience. It 
may not be in our power always to attain this result, but to 
accomplish it as far as may be possible, should be the high aim 
of the teacher. And this may be done without infringing upon 
the conflicting opinions of religious sects. Goodness is of uni- 
versal application. It shines down like the light of heaven up- 
on all sincere Christians, and should be prized by them all alike. 
Each denomination may have its name, like the creeks and 
bays along our coast, but virtue and holiness are the deep sea 
whose living waters flow through them all. There are views 
upon which Christians are divided, but there are many princi- 
ples which they hold in common, and it is these which should 
be recognized and inculcated by the Teacher. Thus may the 



28 mr. waterston's address. 

mind of childhood be early impressed by the everlasting beau- 
ty of truth, and its better nature be called forth and strength- 
ened. It is this view of Education which gives dignity and 
grandeur to the Teacher's office. 

The mere creation of a perfect Form, hewn from marble, has 
given to some men immortality ; but what is this to the deve- 
loping of Mind ? What was the achievement of Phidias when 
he wrought the Olympian Jove, that glory of Grecian Art, 
compared with the formation of a character, which has the 
power of thought and feeling, and an undying existence ? 

Turn to the Parthenon and look upon the work of the sculp- 
tor. Gaze on the forms which seem almost gifted with motion, 
as if the Artist, while the chisel trembled and glowed in his 
hand, had imparted to the insensible stone his own kindling 
emotions. And then turn to the Teacher in the presence of 
living, breathing Childhood, fresh with innocent affection ; and 
behold that Teacher giving direction to thought, developing 
the faculties, opening out for its research inexhaustible mines 
of wisdom. Which is the grandest, the chiseling of marble, or 
the culture of Mind ? That mind which will still endure, 
when 

" Cloud-capp'd towers, and gorgeous palaces, 
The solemn temples, the great globe itself, 
Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve, 
And, like an insubstantial pageant faded, 
Leave not a rack behind !" 

Such are your important, and I may say sublime duties. 
May the Source of all wisdom guide and support you in your 
labors. You will no doubt have your trials, but there is no 
sphere of worthy action without them, and meeting them with 
the right spirit will make your labors the more honorable. If 
you should not accomplish at once all you may desire, be not 
discouraged. As you scatter the seed of truth, have faith that 
it will eventually take root. 

" Long, indeed, beneath the clod, 

It may lie — forgot, — unseen, — 
Noxious weeds may clothe the sod, 

Changing seasons intervene, 



29 



Summer's heat and winter's frost — 
Yet that seed shall ne'er be lost. 

But at length it will appear, 

Rising up o'er all the plain, 
First the blade and then the ear, 

Then the ripe, and golden grain!" 



I might speak of the peculiar importance of your labors at 
this time, when the most powerful monarchies of the world 
are shaken, and the desolating storms of Revolution are sweep- 
ing over the earth ; when at home the tide of foreign emigra- 
tion is fast rolling in, and many are looking with painful ap- 
prehension upon the stability of ;our institutions ; when ques- 
tions are beginning to agitate the country which will eventu- 
ally shake it to its centre. At such a period our chief hope is 
in the thorough and wise education of the people. The duties 
of the Teacher under such circumstances, become doubly sa- 
cred ; and to carry them out in a high and noble spirit may well 
be considered as worthy of any effort or sacrifice. 

I cannot close these remarks without referring to one whose 
name has become identified with the cause of Education, one 
who has labored with untiring assiduity to promote the welfare 
of the public schools throughout this Commonwealth, and who 
has watched with deep solicitude this Institution from its com- 
mencement to the present hour.* During the last ten years 
his efforts have been unceasing, and the beneficial result has 
been equal to what the most sanguine could have expected. 
If, at the call of his fellow-citizens, he has now entered another 
field, we may hope it will be to shed abroad, through the whole 



* Hon. Horace Mann, Secretary of the Board of Education, who during the 
present year has been elected Representative to Congress, to fill the place of 
the late John Quincy Adams. His speech on the right of Congress to legislate 
for the Territories of the United States, and its duty to exclude Slavery there- 
from, is one of the most powerful arguments ever delivered in Congress on 
the subject of Slavery. 



30 mr. waterston's address. 

land, just views upon the great subject which has long been 
dear to him, and while his words fly like the smiting thunder- 
bolt upon the evils of the land, may his wisdom shine like a 
guiding star to lighten the nation in the way of Justice and 
Truth. 



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